This is How We Create

Show Notes:  Have you thought about how you may include activism in your work? On today’s episode, painter Genevieve Ramos shares her journey as a disability advocate and surrealist artist. We explore Genevieve’s early artistic exposure, her creative process, and delve into how she came to use surrealism in her work. Lastly, Genevieve opens up about managing pain and her mental health after tragedy.   Episode Overview: Keep up with your host Martine Severin https://martineseverin.com/ Follow This Is How We Create on IG. ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_/⁠ Follow Martine on Instagram:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/⁠ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin and edited by Casandra Voltolina. Episode research conducted by Braila West. Get to know Genevieve: https://genevieveramos.art/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genevieveramos.art/# Buy Gevevieve’s Art: https://genevieveramos.art/contact

Turns out most successful creative careers are funded by multiple streams.  If you've ever felt that cobbling it together means you haven't truly arrived, this episode is a reminder that you're building something sustainable, resilient, and entirely your own. Chapters 00:00 - The Secret Feeling of Being a Fraud  02:17 - The "Income Pie" Revelation  04:37 - Why Your Pie is a Source of Freedom, Not Failure  06:55 - How Bridge Work Sustains the Dream Work  09:09 - Homework: How to Draw Your Own Income Pie  11:34 - You Are Building Something Sustainable   Book Recommendations on Building a Multifaceted Creative Career If the idea of an "income pie" resonates with you, here are a few books that explore how to build a sustainable and multifaceted creative life: The Multi-Hyphen Life by Emma Gannon: This book is a celebration of the modern portfolio career. Gannon argues that having multiple work streams isn't a distraction but a way to build a more resilient, passion-fueled, and future-proof career. Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon: A practical and inspiring guide for artists, this book covers everything from setting goals to diversifying income. Congdon is a master at turning creative passion into a thriving business and shares how multiple revenue streams (like licensing, teaching, and print sales) are key to a sustainable practice. Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins: Goins debunks the myth of the "starving artist" by showing how successful creators throughout history have embraced an entrepreneurial mindset. The book provides a framework for thriving, not just surviving, by strategically building multiple income sources that support your creative work. Company of One: Why Staying Small is the Next Big Thing for Business by Paul Jarvis: While not exclusively for artists, this book is perfect for any creative who wants to build a profitable, enjoyable, and sustainable business on their own terms. It challenges the traditional growth-at-all-costs mindset and champions a smarter, more intentional approach to work, which often involves focusing on a variety of profitable endeavors rather than scaling into a massive operation.   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Discover how Violeta Encarnación balances freelancing, illustration, and creative evolution. She reflects on her journey from growing up in Cuba to becoming a book illustrator, her experience at SVA, and her shift into tattooing. Violeta opens up about the realities of freelancing, managing carpal tunnel syndrome, and honing her distinctive color palette. She also shares how nature inspires her work, the significance of personal connections in art, and her upcoming projects.  We talk with Violeta Encarnación, a freelance illustrator, about her creative journey and experiences in book illustration. She shares memories of growing up in Cuba, the impact of her artistic family, and her transition to life in the U.S. Violeta reflects on her time at SVA, her path into tattooing, and the lessons she has learned as a freelancer. She opens up about managing an unpredictable schedule, coping with carpal tunnel syndrome, and staying authentic in her work. Violeta also discusses her distinctive color palette, nature’s influence on her art, and the role of personal connections in creative careers. Episode Highlights   Childhood experiences and cultural background. Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Book illustration involves collaboration, patience, and the ability to convey complex emotions through images. Developing a unique color palette takes time and experimentation, and it can be influenced by nature and personal experiences. Finding one's voice in art and maintaining personal connections are essential for success.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: A Collage of Moments Frozen in Time  02:45 - A Journey of Belonging: From Cuba to the U.S.  06:30 - The Language of Emotion: Finding Your Voice in a New Tongue  10:15 - Reclaiming Art as a Safe Space  13:05 - The Unexpected Path to Tattooing  17:01 - Illustrating a New Chapter: Breaking into Picture Books  22:30 - The Resilience of a First "No": Redrawing Her Way to a "Yes"  28:15 - Juggling the Freelance Life: Cash Flow and Creative Burnout  36:00 - A Journey with Color: From Fear to Harmony  42:50 - What's Next: Ceramics and Storytelling   Connect with Violeta: Follow Violeta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_violeta.encarnacion_ Violeta’s Website: https://www.violetaencarnacion.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

What does it take to keep creating, even after dozens of false starts? In this deeply insightful encore episode, I’m sharing my conversation with the legendary author Edwidge Danticat.  Edwidge shares how she found her own voice as a writer and offers a candid look into her artistic practice today. We talk about the "dance with fear", and the "20 notebooks of false starts" for her current novel, and the practical mindset it takes to push through creative blocks.  This is a powerful and reassuring conversation for any creator who has ever felt stalled by perfectionism or self-doubt. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Edwidge Danticat 02:30 - The Oral Storytellers of a Haitian Childhood 04:30 - From Listening to Writing: Discovering the Power of Books 06:55 - Finding a Voice and First Publications 09:20 - Choosing Art Over a Prescribed Path 11:30 - The Dance with Fear: Navigating Self-Doubt and Perfectionism 14:50 - The 20 Notebooks: A Look into the Creative Process 18:10 - Learning to Trust Your Own Process 20:10 - A Message to Her Younger Self   Connect with Edwidge:   Edwidge’s Website: https://edwidgedanticat.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever felt the pull to leave a secure, conventional career for a more exciting path of as an artist?  In this encore episode, I’m revisiting my conversation with photographer Nolis Anderson, whose journey is a powerful lesson in following your creative intuition.  Nolis shares the incredible story of how he pivoted from pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to building a full-time photography career, not with a grand plan, but through organic growth and the power of community.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone wondering if their 'hobby' could be something more. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Nolis Anderson 01:06 - From Kenwood Academy to a Creative Path 02:40 - The Surprising Leap: From Pharmacy to Photography 06:30 - Finding a Voice: From Parties to Portraits 11:50 - The Art of Capturing Ephemeral Moments 14:10 - The "Clean" Aesthetic: Editing and Process 17:15 - The Power of Mentorship and Community 19:20 - Navigating the Business of Creativity 25:50 - Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead   Connect with Nolis:   Follow Nolis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolis Nolis’s Website: https://www.nolisanderson.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

When was the last time your creative energy faded away like mist? One season you’re overflowing with ideas, and the next, you feel like you’re trying to draw water from a dry well.  In this personal solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own creative rhythms. Tune in to hear how to use your natural creative lulls to your advantage. This episode is a gentle reminder that your river of creativity is always flowing, even when it goes underground for a while. Chapters 00:00 - My Not-So-Secret Creative Cycle 02:21 - The Dry Spell: When the Well Runs Empty 04:49 - The Return of the River: Embracing the Flow 07:15 - Beyond Hustle: Challenging the Myth of Constant Creation 09:33 - What to Do When the Ideas Aren't Flowing 11:46 - Mapping Your Own Creative Seasons 14:10 - Your River is Always Flowing   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever wondered how to turn a lifelong passion for art into a real, thriving career? In this episode, I'm delighted to sit down with Alex Craig, a self-taught artist, painter, and illustrator who embodies the spirit of creative determination. Alex shares her journey, from a childhood surrounded by artists to launching her first clothing line to eventually showcasing her work at prestigious events such as the Black Girl Art Show. This conversation explores perseverance and authenticity that transform passion into purpose. We dig into: The practical steps of building an art business,  We talk about how to digest critique,  How to open an Etsy shop and  Tips to find the right printer and pricing for your work.   Alex’s story is a reminder that with a strong support system and an unwavering belief in your own voice, you can build the creative life you've always envisioned. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alex Craig 01:21 Growing Up Creative: A Family of Artists 03:40 The College Hustle: From Custom Jackets to a Clothing Line 07:25 Taught by Experience: Lessons from a College Art Class 11:11 The Art of Critique: Learning to Let Go of Ego 19:23 Finding Your Voice with a Little Push from Family 22:05 The Practical Hustle: Starting and Growing an Etsy Shop 28:27 Bridging Worlds: How Digital Sketches Inform Physical Paintings 33:20 The Art of Pricing: On Accessibility and Value 36:54 The Signature Palette: A Love Story with the Color Blue 40:13 What Sets Her Heart Ablaze: The Drive to Keep Creating   Connect with Alexandra:  Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artviaalex Alexandra’s Website: https://artviaalex.etsy.com/   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Think back to your younger self. What advice would you give to that version of yourself? In today’s episode, I'm sharing a powerful compilation of advice from three artists who have learned to quiet their chatty minds to be their best selves.  We'll hear from Murielle Banackissa, celebrated food photographer, stylist, and author of the cookbook Savoring. Nana Oduro, a visual artist. And from, Tiffany Brooks, a leading figure in the interior design world.  This episode is an intimate collection of insights on trusting the process, embracing your voice, and finding the courage to create authentically. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: A Conversation with Our Younger Selves 02:23 Murielle Banackissa on Trusting the Process 05:28 Nana Oduro on Why Fear is the Mind-Killer 07:36 Tiffany Brooks on the Power of Following Your Gut 10:45 What Advice Would You Give?    Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

How do you move from showing your art in group exhibitions to building a loyal circle of collectors who not only buy your work but champion it? In this conversation, we dive deep into the lived experience of an artist who has done exactly that. From humble beginnings in group shows to being invited into exhibitions in New York, Japan, and Europe, our guest shares how community, consistency, and serendipity shaped a career sustained not by social media clicks but by human connection. We explore: Building Collectors: How early supporters became long-term champions who now buy new work before it’s public. Real-Life vs. Social Media: Why genuine conversations and showing up in person often outperform online likes. Printing Philosophy: Why Moab Luster paper brings photography to life like a “window into reality.” Archiving & Editing: A practical system in Lightroom to organize decades of work while leaving space for rediscovery. Film Revival: How DSLR scanning revolutionized archiving film—fast, precise, and surprisingly affordable. Creative Tools: From smart collections to Google Earth, the surprising ways digital tools fuel analog creativity.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Accidental Photographer 05:10 From Marine Biology to a High School Darkroom 07:29 Finding a Focus in Skate Photography 14:59 The Evolution of a Creative Eye 17:10 Photography as a Way to Preserve the Present 21:37 A Deep Dive into Landscape and Nature 27:28 The Process: Planning, Gear, and Google Earth 33:41 The Creative Dance of Fatherhood 39:28 Building a Collector Base for Your Art 43:33 The Art of the Archive: Lightroom, Keywords, and DSLR Scanning 52:39 Final Thoughts on a Winding Journey   Connect with Darnell:   Follow Darnell on Instagram:https://darnell-scott.com/ Darnell’s Website: https://www.instagram.com/_darnellscott_/?hl=en   Support the Show Website: http://www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: http://www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

What's your relationship with money? Is it your friend, your enemy, or something much more complicated? In this episode, I discuss a topic we all think about but rarely talk about: money.   We'll explore the science of how money stress affects our creative brains and unpack the family stories that shape our financial habits. We’ll guide you through actionable steps and a few mindset shifts, including the powerful "Honey Money" concept, that have helped me build a healthier, more abundant relationship with my finances.  This episode is for any creative who's ready to rewrite their money story and build a life that feels not just creatively fulfilling, but financially safe and expansive. Chapters 00:00 - My Money Story: From Haiti to a Scarcity Mindset 03:05 - The Science of Money Stress: How Scarcity Affects Your Brain 05:15 - Unpacking Your Family's Money History 07:00 - The Five-Step Journey to a New Mindset 11:10 - Books That Will Change Your Relationship with Money 15:30 - Meet 'Honey Money': A Simple Practice for Abundance 18:18 - A Gentle Warning and Where to Find Help   Here is the list of books and resources to help you reframe your relationship with money: Lower Ed by Tressie McMillan Cottom https://www.amazon.com/Lower-Ed-For-Profit-Education-Ruin-of-the-American-Dream/dp/1620974497 The Color of Money by Mehrsa Baradaran ttps://www.amazon.com/Color-Money-Banking-Racial-Wealth/dp/0674237477 Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond https://www.amazon.com/Poverty-America-Matthew-Desmond/dp/0593239912 Get Rich, Lucky Bitch! by Denise Duffield-Thomas https://www.amazon.com/Get-Rich-Lucky-Bitch-Manifesting/dp/1788172101 The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681 Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Underearning-Five-Steps-Richer/dp/0062842455 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 Happy Money by Ken Honda https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372 Mental Health & Crisis Resources Please remember, your well-being matters more than any amount of money. If you are struggling, please reach out to these resources for support. Crisis Text Line: For immediate support, text HOME to 741741. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: You can call or text 988 to connect with the prevention line. Psychology Today: A resource to help you find a therapist in your area.   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

How do you find your creative voice when the world tries to quiet it? In this powerful episode, I sit down with artist Diana Hendrix, who shares her journey from Chicago's foster care system to carving a vibrant creative career. Diana reveals how to use your work to reshape a challenging world into something beautiful. We explore her path through a detour into law and how an unexpected health diagnosis ultimately forced a profound return to her artistic roots. This is an intimate story about resourcefulness, the power of encouragement, and how the most challenging course corrections can lead us directly to who we were always meant to be.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Diana’s Journey  01:51 - Art as a First Language in the Foster Care System 04:49 - A Mother’s Encouragement and How it Shaped an Artist 06:51 - Discovering Basquiat, Alma Thomas, and an Artistic Lineage 11:21 - The Pressure to "Course Correct" to a Traditional Career 13:43 - The Unapologetic Joy of the "Don't Care Bears" 18:19 - Fueling the Next Generation of Artists   Connect with Diana:   Follow Diana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumbblebeedesigns/   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a client who wants top-tier, champagne-level results on a beer budget? We've all been there. But what happens when you realize you do the exact same thing in your own life?   We are digging into the messy, human psychology of why we all want more than we can sometimes afford. I explore the powerful "first impression effect" that sets our expectations and the tricky mental shortcuts we use that equate price with quality. I will share actionable steps for managing expectations, setting your "non-resentment rate," and protecting your creative energy, especially when you really need the money.   Chapters 00:00 - The Contractor Story: Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget 02:18 - The Psychology of Why We Want Expensive Things for Cheap 04:45 - More Than a Budget: The Human Need for Quality and Joy 07:04 - For Service Providers: 4 Ways to Manage Client Expectations 10:11 - For Clients: How to Get Better Results on Any Budget 11:54 - The Hardest Part: How to Set Boundaries When Money is Tight 15:37 - Your "Non-Resentment Rate" and Why It’s a Game-Changer 19:06 - Breaking the Race to the Bottom & Final Recap   Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/YR449TnmbrI   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives   Resources to Support This Topic Here are a few resources that dig deeper into the concepts discussed in the episode: "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman: This book is a masterclass in understanding the cognitive biases that shape our decisions, including the "anchoring effect" or "first impression effect" I discussed. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who wants to understand the "why" behind our choices.   "Pricing Design" by Dan Mall: While focused on design, the principles in this book are invaluable for any creative professional. Dan breaks down how to price your work based on value, not just time, helping you build a more sustainable and profitable business. "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab: Setting boundaries is crucial for protecting your creative energy, especially when dealing with pricing and client expectations. This book offers practical advice on how to establish healthy boundaries in your professional and personal life, which is essential for long-term creative health.

How do the roles we observe as children shape the art we create as adults? In this conversation, I connect with painter and curator Yannie Gu, whose creative vision was formed by the women in her life in Shanghai.  Tune in to hear how Yannie leveraged the power of community to create an experimental pop-up gallery. Yannie offers a beautiful perspective on her use of color and the symbolism of flames in her work, creating a world where her characters are protected and powerful. This episode explores how our past, our passions, and our communities can intertwine to create a voice that is uniquely our own.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Yannie Gu 00:51 - Growing Up in Shanghai 03:03 - From Professional Ballet to Visual Art 05:20 - Finding Her Voice and Community at SVA 07:10 - The Genesis of Museum 54: A Platform for Peers 12:20 - The Gaze in the Age of Technology 17:30 - Painting with Fire: The Symbolism of Flames and Color 23:45 - Balancing a Studio Practice with Commercial Work 30:40 - Capturing Ideas in the Notes App 32:00 - Final Reflections on the Creative Journey   Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/fgH4xiLL0v0   Connect with Yannie:   Follow Yannie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanixgu/?hl=en Yannie’s Website: https://yannieyiyanggu.com/   Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

In this solo episode, I'm sharing a tough-love truth that might sting a little. It all started during a recent hiring process, where I was struck by how many candidates showed up unprepared for a life-changing opportunity. It got me thinking: how often do we, as creatives, fail to do the basic work our dreams require? I’m digging into the idea of "permission to play" as the baseline preparation and knowledge that’s your ticket into the game. We’re not talking about perfection; rather, we’re focusing on honoring your future self with the simple act of showing up ready. We'll explore why talent without preparation is just potential and how over-preparing is one of the most profound acts of self-love you can practice.  If you're ready to stop abandoning your future and start building earned confidence, this one's for you.   Chapters 00:00 - The Interview Story That Stung 01:43 - What Is Your 'Permission to Play?' 02:30 - The Real Cost of Being Unprepared 03:25 - Sending a Love Letter to Your Future Self 04:25 - How Preparation Changes Your Identity 05:15 - What People Say When You're Not in the Room 06:20 - A Final Word: Your Future Self is Counting on You   Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/YR449TnmbrI   Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever given yourself a deadline to make a dream come true? For singer and actress Rashada Dawan, that deadline was one year. After being laid off and with bills piling up, she made a 12-month commitment to pursue her art full-time before turning to a more “practical” career. Just days before she was set to take an exam to become a police offer, she received a life-altering phone call.  In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Rashada Dawan to talk about her journey from Chicago church choirs to national stages. This is a story about faith, resilience, and the courage to bet on yourself, even when the clock is ticking. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Multifaceted Rashada Dawan 02:22 - Saturday Mornings and Church Choirs: Early Musical Memories 06:06 - "Singing Doesn't Pay the Bills": The Advice That Shaped a Career 10:07 - Finding Her Voice: Lessons from Mimicking the Greats 17:28 - The One-Year Challenge and a Life-Changing Bathroom Call 21:21 - A Family Affair: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation 31:02 - The Swinging Pendulum: Finding Contentment in the Dance of Life 37:05 - More Than an Artist: The Freedom of Creating Without Pressure   Connect with Rashada: Rashada’s Website: https://rashadadawan.com/   Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever been at a crossroads, wishing for that one piece of timely advice to light the way? Recently, a conversation with my nieces got me thinking about the incredible wisdom our guests have shared on this podcast. In this special episode, I'm doing things a little differently. I’ve gathered insights from three amazing creators: bestselling author Jasmine Guillory, photographer Amanda J. Cain, and muralist Dorian Sylvain who share the advice they wish they could give their younger selves.  Get ready to hear hear tried-and-true tips on the writing process, the power of mentorship, and how to reframe so-called mistakes into opportunities for growth. Chapters 00:00 - The Power of Timely Advice 03:26 - Jasmine Guillory on Finding Your Voice as a Writer 05:14 - Amanda J. Cain on Mentorship and the Gift of Authenticity 09:27 - Dorian Sylvain on Embracing "Mistakes" and Lifelong Learning 13:46 - A Final Word on Making Advice Stick   Tune in to Jasmine Guillory’s episode 50. Tune in to Amanda J Cain’s episode 70. Tune in to Dorian Sylvain’s episode 77.  Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

What happens when your creative process becomes a mirror, reflecting back the deepest parts of your identity? I sit down with abstract artist Gina Tyquiengco to discuss her winding creative path, from teaching herself graphic design to finding her voice as a painter.  Gina explains how her signature black, white, and gold palette is a deliberate reflection of her Guamanian and African American heritage, duality, and spirituality. This is a powerful conversation about trusting the process and the joy of making art alongside your children.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Gina Tyquiengco 01:50 - A Multicultural Upbringing Fueled by Creativity  04:00 - The Clever Kid Who Drew Inside the Cabinets  05:20 - How Bob Ross Sparked a Lifelong Passion for Painting  07:25 - The Winding Road from Graphic Design to Fine Art  10:00 - Painting for a Paycheck vs. Painting for Self-Discovery  14:10 - The Meaning Behind a Black, White, and Gold Palette  18:00 - Exploring and Mastering a Signature Style  21:00 - Knowing When a Painting is Truly Finished  27:00 - The Beautiful Collaboration of Painting with Her Daughter  31:30 - Advice for Aspiring Artists on Mastering Your Craft  35:30 - The Key to Getting Your Work Seen by the Right People   Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/kMS6hWeBtPI   Connect with Gina: Follow Gina on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ginatyquiengco/ Gina’s Website: https://www.ginatyquiengco.com/   Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever felt like artist grants are just mysterious pots of money reserved for a select few? It’s a feeling so many of us in the creative world know all too well. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the world of grant funding to show you that it’s not about luck or secret connections.  Being awarded a grant has everything to do with understanding the system. I’ll walk you through the essentials: what grants are, where to find the right opportunities for you, and how to strategically prepare yourself for success.  If you're ready to stop throwing applications into the void and start intentionally building a path to fund your creative practice, this conversation is your first step. Chapters 00:00 - Welcome to the World of Artist Grants. 01:03 - What Exactly Is an Artist Grant? 02:47 - From Local Councils to "Genius" Grants: Understanding the Money 04:22 - Where to Find the Right Grants for You 05:40 - The Strategy That Works: Why Starting Local Matters. 06:37 - The Most Important Work: Figuring Out What You Truly Need. 07:50 - How to Move from a Vague Wish to a Specific Plan. 09:05 - The Power of Tracking and Timing. 09:47 - Don't Overlook This Funding Gem: Residencies. 10:20 - A Little Homework to Get You Started.   Check out the full Video Podcast on our YouTube Channel! https://youtu.be/HiigpPmF7oQ   Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever felt a divine nudge? Or maybe a full-on nudge that pushed you toward a life you didn’t plan for? In this episode, I’m talking with the incredible interior designer Beth Diana Smith, who made the courageous leap from a successful career in corporate finance to founding her own celebrated design firm. Beth shares the story of how she went from being the kid who organized her toybox and dreamed of becoming an accountant to a leading voice in contemporary design, known for her bold, eclectic, and maximalist style. We get into the pivotal moment of peace that led her to leave her stressful corporate job and how the skills she honed with spreadsheets and budgets became the secret weapon for her creative business. This is a candid conversation about listening to the signs, redefining your path, and the magic that happens when a client points out your signature style before you’ve even seen it yourself.   Chapters 00:00 - From Aspiring Accountant to Acclaimed Designer 06:56 - Juggling Two Worlds: The Hustle of Corporate Life and Design School 12:50 - The Divine Slap: Finding Peace and the Courage to Quit 18:40 - Building a Business: First Clients and Finding Momentum 22:15 - Discovering a Signature Style by Accident 28:08 - The Psychology of Design: Creating for a Client’s Future Self 34:20 - How Corporate Skills Shape a Creative Business 38:30 - On Pride, Passion, and Finding the Right Collaborators   Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/JJ9aqXU1J74?si=2bPo8ZEwIQTFpEcv   Connect with Beth: Follow Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethdianasmith Beth’s Website: https://www.bethdianasmith.com/   Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives  

Have you ever considered how success might change you? That as you grow, you might lose the very essence of what makes you, you?  In this solo episode, I share a story of a startling comment that made me confront my own evolution. We’ll explore the balance between evolving and losing yourself, between growing your craft and abandoning your voice. Join me for a conversation about change, authenticity, and embracing the magnificent artist you are destined to become.   Check out the full video on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/DhHOizsG9Pw Chapters 00:00 - A Story About Becoming 01:10 - A Car Ride and a Startling Question 03:00 - The Pressure to Change as an Artist 04:00 - The Real Question: Who Will You Become? 04:42 - Staying True Isn't Staying Still 05:30 - Your Roots Are Your Foundation 06:10 - Change is Natural, Like a River 06:30 - A Call to Your Own Magnificent Self 07:07 - Final Thoughts on My Own Evolution Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.comFollow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives